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The 2025 Audi S3 hits 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, packs 328 horsepower (up from 306), and finally gets the RS3’s torque-vectoring rear differential—all starting at $49,995[1][2]. This isn’t a minor facelift. Audi addressed nearly every complaint about the previous model, making the refreshed S3 the compact sport sedan to beat in its segment.
What Changed for 2025
Audi gave the S3 a proper mid-cycle refresh, not a badge shuffle. Under the hood sits 22 additional horsepower (328 total) and the same torque output of 295 lb-ft, but the real news hides at the rear axle[1].
The torque-splitting differential borrowed from the RS3 can now send 100% of available torque to the outside rear wheel during cornering[3]. Think of clutch packs at each rear axle that open and close based on steering angle, yaw rate, and grip level. In practice? The S3 rotates into corners with a precision the old Haldex-based system simply couldn’t match. Car and Driver’s test drive noted the new S3 “devours corners, taking big bites at every turn”[3].
Plus, there’s a new Dynamic Plus mode that loosens the traction leash, adjusts throttle mapping, and enables launch control for consistent 0-60 blasts[4]. The previous generation didn’t have factory launch control at all. Explore more about Audi’s quattro system and how it works.
2025 Audi S3 Specifications
| Specification | 2025 Audi S3 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 TFSI |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed S tronic Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | quattro AWD w/ Torque Splitter |
| 0-60 mph (C/D tested) | 4.2 seconds |
| Quarter-Mile | 12.8 sec @ 109 mph |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (governed) |
| Curb Weight | 3,549–3,575 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 8–8.3 cu ft |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 23 city / 31 hwy / 26 combined MPG |
Performance and Driving Experience
Car and Driver clocked the 2025 S3 at 4.2 seconds to 60 mph—matching the BMW M235i Gran Coupe and beating the Integra Type S by nearly a full second[1]. The quarter-mile falls in 12.8 seconds at 109 mph, and the car pulled 0.95 g on the skidpad[1].
What the spec sheet doesn’t convey? How the torque splitter transforms the car’s personality. MotorTrend’s first drive called it “a cornering kingmaker,” noting the S3 charges out of apexes with newfound aggression[5]. Edmunds praised the chassis improvements and said the handling difference is “enough to make a real difference”[6].
The Drive’s review summed it up: “The S3 devours corners, taking big bites at every turn—and once the plate is clean, it’s hungry for more”[3]. And honestly? That’s the kind of language you rarely see applied to a sub-$50k sedan.
One complaint persists: the mode switch interface still frustrates[3]. Toggling between Comfort and Dynamic requires menu diving when it should be a physical button.
Pricing and Trim Levels
| Trim | 2025 MSRP | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $49,995 | 10.1″ touchscreen, heated seats, panoramic roof |
| Premium Plus | $52,395 | Adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors |
| Prestige | $56,195 | 12.3″ digital gauges, navigation, head-up display |
For most buyers, Premium Plus hits the sweet spot—adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist are worth the $2,400 jump from base Premium. KBB estimates the five-year cost to own at $81,884 for Premium, $82,622 for Premium Plus, and $87,330 for Prestige including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation[2]. Compare pricing to the 2025 Audi A3 if you want the same platform with less power.
Exterior and Interior Updates
Visual changes include revised LED lighting at both ends, a wider and flatter frameless front grille, and a redesigned rear bumper with glossy black trim above the diffuser[4]. Subtle updates? Yes. But they sharpen the S3’s presence without screaming for attention.
Inside, the shifter gets a sleeker toggle design that some owners love and others find awkward—spend time with it at the dealer before buying. The interior otherwise carries over the quilted leather sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and physical climate buttons that enthusiasts appreciate[1]. (Full disclosure: the retention of physical buttons alone makes this cabin better than half its competitors.)
Front occupants get 41.2 inches of legroom, essentially matching the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe[1]. Rear legroom at 35.2 inches is tight for adults but workable for kids or shorter trips. That 8.3-cubic-foot trunk? Still small. Pack light.
Competitor Comparison
| Spec | 2025 Audi S3 | VW Golf R (2024+) | Mercedes-AMG A35 | BMW M135i |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 333 hp | 306 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) | 295 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 sec | ~4.5 sec | 4.7 sec | ~4.8 sec |
| Base MSRP (US) | $49,995 | ~$45,000 | ~$48,000 | ~$44,000 |
| Torque Vectoring | Yes (from RS3) | Yes (R Performance) | No | No |
The Golf R now matches the S3’s torque-splitter capability and actually produces 5 more horsepower—for about $5,000 less[7]. But in carwow’s drag race testing, the S3 and Golf R were virtually identical off the line despite the Golf’s slight power advantage[7]. The S3’s weight penalty (about 1,535 kg / 3,384 lbs in Euro spec) is offset by sedan refinement and a quieter cabin.
Reddit feedback from Golf R owners debating the switch noted: “The R outperforms the S3 in every respect, boasting superior speed and handling,” though that comparison references the pre-facelift S3 without the new torque splitter[9]. The 2025 update narrows that gap significantly. For SUV alternatives, check out the 2025 Audi SQ5.
Safety Ratings
The structurally identical A3 earned “Good” ratings across IIHS crash tests and scored “Superior” in front crash prevention for vehicle-to-vehicle collisions[10]. NHTSA gave the A3/S3 platform a five-star overall safety rating[11]. That said, the current S3 misses IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK status due to headlight performance[11].
Standard safety equipment includes automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise with lane-centering requires moving up to Premium Plus[1]. For context on Audi’s broader safety tech, explore Audi A3 years to avoid.
Ownership Considerations
Warranty coverage spans four years or 50,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain, plus Audi now includes three years or 30,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance—a welcome change from previous model years[1].
Common issues on the EA888 platform include thermostat housing failures (Audi extended coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles on affected vehicles) and occasional water pump leaks[12]. Infotainment glitches and sat-nav screen issues appeared in about 15.8% of previous-gen ownership reports according to What Car’s reliability survey[12]. One 2025 owner on Edmunds reported nappa leather stitching unraveling after a year—and Audi’s response that interior trim coverage lasts only 12 months[13]. Worth inspecting carefully before purchase.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- RS3-derived torque splitter transforms cornering grip and exit traction—genuinely changes the car’s character[3]
- 4.2-second 0-60 mph run matches or beats every competitor in its price bracket[1]
- Three years of complimentary maintenance reduces first-ownership costs substantially[1]
- Physical climate controls remain standard—bucking the all-touchscreen trend plaguing competitors
What Doesn’t
- Trunk capacity at 8 cubic feet limits road-trip practicality for anything beyond weekend bags[2]
- Mode switching still requires menu navigation instead of a dedicated button[3]
- Premium trim at $49,995 starts $5,000 higher than the mechanically similar Golf R[7]
- Rear legroom at 35.2 inches makes backseat adults uncomfortable on longer drives[1]
FAQs
Is the 2025 Audi S3 faster than the Golf R?
In tested acceleration, yes—marginally. Car and Driver recorded 4.2 seconds to 60 mph for the 2025 S3, while the Golf R typically lands around 4.5 seconds in independent testing despite making 5 more horsepower[1][7]. The S3’s advantage comes from launch control refinement and transmission calibration. In drag race testing, both cars were virtually identical, with tenths of a second separating them[7].
Should I buy the 2025 S3 or wait for the RS3?
The RS3 brings 394 hp from a distinctive 2.5-liter five-cylinder and sharper suspension tuning—but starts at $64,695, roughly $15,000 more than the S3[1]. The 2025 S3 now shares the RS3’s torque-splitter hardware, closing the handling gap significantly. Pick the S3 if you want 90% of the RS3 experience for 75% of the price. Choose the RS3 only if that five-cylinder sound is non-negotiable. Learn more about the best Audi sports cars for additional comparison.
What’s new on the 2025 Audi S3 compared to 2024?
Everything that matters. The 2025 model adds 22 horsepower (328 total), the RS3’s torque-splitting rear differential, Dynamic Plus mode with launch control, revised LED lighting, a new front grille design, and three years of complimentary maintenance[1][4]. The 2024 S3 carried over largely unchanged from 2022 with minor trim updates. If you’re cross-shopping used, the 2025 facelift represents a meaningful performance upgrade worth the price difference.
How reliable is the 2025 Audi S3?
The EA888 2.0T engine is a proven unit shared across VW Group vehicles, but common issues include thermostat housing failures, water pump leaks, and occasional infotainment glitches[12]. The current-generation A3/S3 platform tracks more reliably than the 2013-2020 models, though it falls behind BMW’s 1-Series in long-term durability surveys[12]. Audi’s extended 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the cooling system addresses the most expensive potential failure point.
References
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2025 Audi S3 Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/s3
- Kelley Blue Book. (2025). 2025 Audi S3 Specs, Features & Options. https://www.kbb.com/audi/s3/2025/specs/
- The Drive. (2025). 2025 Audi S3 First Drive Review: Restrained and Rapid. https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2025-audi-s3-first-drive-review
- Autoblog. (2025). 2025 Audi S3: Coolest Performance Features From New Model Update. https://www.autoblog.com/news/2025-audi-s3-coolest-performance-features-from-new-model-update
- MotorTrend. (2025). First Drive: The 2025 Audi S3 Is a Cornering Kingmaker. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-audi-s3-us-version-first-drive-review
- Edmunds. (2025). 2025 Audi S3 First Drive Review: Much Better Than Before. https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2025-audi-s3-first-drive-review.html
- Carwow. (2024). New VW Golf R vs BMW M135 vs Audi S3 vs AMG A35: Drag Race.
- Carwow. (2024). New Audi S3 vs BMW M135i vs AMG A35 vs VW Golf R: Drag Race.
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Reddit r/Golf_R. (2025). Hello, debating on the Golf R vs Audi S3, what made you pick the R over the S3?.
Hello, debating on the Golf R vs Audi S3, what made you pick the R over the S3?
byu/lochonx7 inGolf_R - IIHS. (2025). 2025 Audi A3 Crash Test Ratings. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/audi/a3-4-door-sedan/2025
- CarsDirect. (2024). 2025 Audi S3 Safety. https://www.carsdirect.com/audi/s3/2025
- What Car?. (2022). Used Audi S3 – 2013-2020 Reliability & Common Problems. https://www.whatcar.com/audi/s3/hatchback/used-review/n19029/reliability
- Edmunds. (2025). 2025 Audi S3 Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/s3/2025/consumer-reviews/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
